- At BoatMate, we start building trailers by selecting the best grade of steel
available. All trailer frames are fabricated completely from steel tube. Every piece of
steel is inspected and hand selected to ensure consistency. Our suppliers understand our
needs and accept returns of any material that does not meet our requirements.
- If the steel is accepted, we take extra time to shape the tube. Not only do we
want the bunks to fit the bottom of the boat, we want the frame rails to match the
contours of the hull. It takes a little extra time but we roll the frames (rather than
just bend the frames) to match the lines of the hull. The photograph below shows the
difference between a rolled frame rail (bottom) and a bent frame rail (top).
- Our welders are experienced employees. They are among the best in their field.
Each welder has his own personal machine using the best welding wire available to ensure a
strong structural weld. But we do not want just strong welds, we want welds that are
aesthetically pleasing because our customers look at the details in their boat and
trailer.
- After the trailer frame is welded, every frame is prepared by hand for the
painting process. Each frame goes through a thorough cleaning procedure which includes
chipping, grinding, sanding, treating with phosphate and then washing to ensure that the
paint will not only look good, but will also bond well to the frame.
- Our painters are also experience employees among the best in their field. We
start with DuPont Tuffcoat etching primer to create a strong bond that will resist
flaking, peeling and chipping. The DuPont Imron polyurethane paint is mixed following the
formulas derived from computer color matching by DuPont labs in order to provide our
customers the color match they desire. The polyurethane finish provides a durable, glossy
look that can be matched at any DuPont retailer using our color codes.
- Only after the paint has cured in our baking oven does the trailer assembly
process start. This includes installing the best components available, from stainless
steel fasteners to the heavy, twenty-ounce carpet used on the bunk boards.
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